The Village of Brockport is abuzz with excitement as a new makerspace, It Begins in Brockport (IBiB), gains momentum. Just one month since its inception, IBiB has already equipped its space in the Hart Gallery 27 Art studio with a variety of tools including 3D printers, an electronics workbench, a laser cutter, and a CNC mill. Now, the makerspace has received a generous donation that is set to take its offerings in new directions.
Recently, IBiB welcomed a special addition to its array of tools and equipment: a complete Maker Cart, courtesy of TeacherGeek (www.teachergeek.com), a local company dedicated to inspiring and empowering the innovators of tomorrow. The Maker Cart comes complete with over 15,000 components such as gears, rods, frames, motors switches, screws and more. These materials can be used to engage students in over 40 engineering activities, making it an invaluable asset for hands-on learning and creative play.
IBiB introduced the Maker Cart to Brockport at the recent Low Bridge High Water festival. Maker Cart components were used to engage young festival goers in constructing their own boats. While the instructions guided them through making the mast and assembling the motor, participants needed to exercise their creativity when constructing the hull. Recycled materials such as pool noodles, bottles, and plastic trays were recommended, and the pool noodles turned out to be a popular choice among the budding engineers.
To make the event even more memorable, a group of enthusiastic teenagers volunteered to help out. Equipped with kayaks, they retrieved any boats that ventured a little too far from the canal’s edge. While some boats encountered minor setbacks, they were quickly repaired, proving the resilience and ingenuity of the young participants.
IBiB’s inaugural makerspace outreach was a resounding success, leaving both the visitors and organizers thrilled with the experience. The event not only showcased the creative potential of the community but also emphasized IBiB’s commitment to providing a space for individuals to explore their creativity through making.
The makerspace extends its heartfelt gratitude to TeacherGeek for their generous donation, which will undoubtedly fuel future engagement and innovation at IBiB. Moving forward, IBiB plans to organize more captivating activities using the Maker Cart and continue making a positive impact on the Brockport community.
IBiB invites community members and visitors to consider getting involved. The makerspace’s website, available at https://ibib.us/ provides information about memberships, upcoming events, and ways to support their outreach efforts. Interested parties can reach out directly by emailing info@ibib.us. With the success and enthusiasm surrounding IBiB, it is clear that this innovative space is poised for continued growth and success in the months and years ahead.
BoB LeSuer – Director of IBiB, assists some young makers in preparing the mast that will hold the boat’s motor.
Bill Ball and BoB LeSuer assist as teenage makers put their boats together.
A young maker testing his design before moving it into the canal.
Mathea Linden prepares to guide a wayward boat back to the canal’s edge.